Sure, Maddie thought, that tiny Camilia would not be able to eat sausage and peppers and home made ravioli at 1 In the afternoon. But, truthfully Maddie could probably have eaten two helpings, and even order dessert, but not in public. She must be the overweight waif with no appetite. Yeah, the one fat person that gets full on the roll and salad given with your meal: barely forcing down the entrée. Ha! If they only knew.

The eggplant was delicious and very satisfying. “My compliments to your chef.” Maddie told Lily in her small, but charming, office. “Please come in and tell me more about yourself.” Lily chided. The two women talked and laughed for about an hour, they had so much in common, Maddie thought. Both business Women both single, and both ½ Italian. Their better ½ they laughed. But, Lily had been married with 3 children when her husband had an aneurism and died. He left her the property that was his fathers. Lily used the insurance money to create the restaurant. It was a dream of hers since she graduated from Culinary school Twenty years prior. When her children grew up, she taught them how to run the kitchen and the front of the house, and made it a family business. “They may or may not stay here.” Lily laughed. 

She had certain exuberance and exuded a true warmth around her.

Camilia Flowers, a young lady of about 28 came to take her order. The menu consisted of all American fare, plus a few Italian dishes. Maddie thought she was probably right about Lily being part Italian and her daughter had beautiful olive skin. She was quite striking in other ways as well. Camilia was very sweet and Maddie felt as though neither one of these two new acquaintances ever noticed her weight! Wonderful she thought to have someone judge you on your personality and not your appearance; For a change.

Maddie noticed that the place was merely empty except for a few tables with well dressed older couple’s chatting and eating. “how’s the veal scaloppini and the eggplant parmesan? Is it made here?” Maddie asked. “Oh Yea” Camilia smiled, “My mom and my brothers are the cooks, and most of the time we have traditional Italian dish as a special. Today we have home made cheese ravioli with sausage and peppers.” “Wow! That sounds great! I am famished, but I think I’ll go with the eggplant. Its only 1pm and that’s a bit much for me to eat raviolis that early.” Maddie replied. Camilia smiled as if she totally understood. 

She was seated by, of all the names, Lily Flowers. Perhaps, she was the owner or one of them. She was probably around Maddies age mid to late 50’s. A little pudgy, but she was short. Very pretty, Maddie thought and maybe at least part Italian. Dark hair and dark eyes, although her hair was peppered with grey, you could see that it was jet black at one time. She smiled big and easy to Maddie and she liked her immediately. As lily remarked – “right this way maam” Maddie quickly responded “Please call me Maddie, I’m Madonna Difeo, and I am really your neighbor. I just moved into Dr Seltzer’s old home.” Maddie politely extended her hand, but Lily had her hands full with menu and silverware. She looks up at Maddie and the women both shared a laugh. “come into my office before you leave, and we can chat. “ Lily pointed to a room beyond the tables with the name plate on the door “read” Lily Flowers” owner/manager. “I certainly will take you up on that. I haven’t spoken to any town’s people since my arrival on Monday evening. I may just talk your head right off! Maddie said. “Good, I haven’t talked to anything but towns people, so welcome some change in the conversation. Enjoy your meal, I’ll send the waitress which is also my daughter over to take your order.” 

Maddie thanked the waitress, and was immediately drawn to Lily.